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Nigel Evans MP: Sex charges trial starts for former deputy speaker | |
(35 minutes later) | |
The speaker of the House of Commons is to give evidence in the trial of MP Nigel Evans, who is accused of nine sex offences against seven men. | |
John Bercow is a prosecution witness in the case at Preston Crown Court against the former Commons deputy speaker. | |
Mr Evans resigned as deputy speaker after he was charged in September. | |
The MP, who retained the seat of Ribble Valley for the Tories in 2010, denies one count of rape, two of indecent assault and six of sexual assault. | |
The 56-year-old Lancashire MP, who currently represents his constituents as an independent, is said to have carried out the attacks between 2002 and 2013. | |
The trial at Preston Crown Court is scheduled to last about four weeks. | The trial at Preston Crown Court is scheduled to last about four weeks. |
Mr Bercow was among the names read out by prosecutor Mark Heywood QC. | |
Other witnesses named included fellow MPs Sarah Wollaston, Michael Fabricant, Patrick McLoughlin, Alexander John Randall, Conor Burns and Tom Blenkinsopp. | |
'Don't be overawed' | |
Former MPs Lembit Opik and Adam Pryce are also listed as witnesses for the Crown. | |
Addressing the jury, trial judge Mr Justice King said: "This case involves a public figure. It involves a politician. It involves Members of Parliament. | |
"Don't be overawed by that. Be dispassionate throughout the case. | |
"Try Mr Evans only on the evidence. Put out of your mind any political views or prejudice you may have. Try this case only on the evidence." | |
The indecent assaults are alleged to have been committed between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2004. | The indecent assaults are alleged to have been committed between 1 January 2002 and 1 January 2004. |
The sexual assaults are alleged to have taken place between 1 January 2009 and 1 April last year, and the rape between 29 March and 1 April last year. | The sexual assaults are alleged to have taken place between 1 January 2009 and 1 April last year, and the rape between 29 March and 1 April last year. |
Mr Evans, who was born in Swansea and lives in Pendleton, Lancashire, was a Conservative MP before becoming deputy speaker in June 2010, a politically neutral role. | |
He has not returned to the Conservatives in the Commons and is representing his constituents as an independent. |